The Simpsons Show Producers Address Speculation of Bart No Longer Being Choked by Homer

The producers of The Simpsons have issued a response to the reports regarding Homer no longer choking Bart. In a statement to Variety, they mentioned that Homer Simpson was unable to provide a comment as he was preoccupied with strangling Bart. Alongside the statement, an image was shared depicting Homer strangling Bart. However, instead of his typical phrase "Why you little!", he exclaims, "Why you clickbaiting!!"

The original story follows below.

The Simpsons, a TV show that has been on the air for a long time and is widely recognized, appears to be abandoning one of its famous repeated jokes. In a recent episode of The Simpsons, Homer declares that he no longer places his hands around Bart's neck in a choking gesture due to the changing times.

In the Season 35 episode "McMansion & Wife" that premiered on October 22, Homer reveals that he has stopped throttling Bart by wringing his neck with his hands. Homer introduces himself to his new neighbor, Thayer, and they shake hands. Thayer remarks, "Wow! You have a strong grip." Homer jokingly responds to Marge, "Looks like all that strangling has paid off. Just kidding. I don't do that anymore. Times have changed."

The producers of The Simpsons have not made any official statement regarding the permanence of this change in the show.

According to IGN, it has been 31 years since Homer last strangled Bart in an episode of The Simpsons. This occurred in the Season 22 episode titled "Love is a Many Strangled Thing" back in 2011. During this episode, Homer attends a "father enrichment class" alongside NBA legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar, who educates him on the lack of enjoyment in choking someone. As a result, Homer decides to give up this habit and stops choking Bart.

Homer's tendency to strangle Bart has been present for decades. Whenever Bart misbehaves, Homer would say "Why you little" before choking him vigorously to the point where Bart's eyes bulge and his tongue sticks out from his throat.

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It's not limited to Homer, alone, as Bart strangled an ostrich once. Then there was the time that an adult President Lisa choked grown-up Bart. In a Treehouse of Horror episode, Homer clones himself and then proceeds to choke himself. You can see a strangulation compilation below.

Homer no longer choking Bart, if this indeed a permanent change, isn't the only significant update to the show in recent times. In 2020, it was announced that The Simpsons will no longer use white actors to voice non-white characters. Characters who were recast included Apu and his wife Manjula, Dr. Hibbert, Lou, Cookie Kwan, Drederick Tatum, and Bumblebee Man, among others.

Revised

Not only Homer, but Bart also once strangled an ostrich. Additionally, there was a time when an adult President Lisa choked grown-up Bart. In a Treehouse of Horror episode, Homer creates clones of himself and proceeds to choke them. A compilation of these strangulation moments can be seen below.

The discontinuation of Homer choking Bart, if this change is indeed permanent, is not the only significant update to the show in recent times. In 2020, it was announced that The Simpsons will no longer have white actors voicing non-white characters. Recasting took place for characters including Apu and his wife Manjula, Dr. Hibbert, Lou, Cookie Kwan, Drederick Tatum, and Bumblebee Man, among others.

In January, The Simpsons was renewed yet again, bringing the show through 2025 and beyond 800 episodes. Seasons 1-34 are streaming on Disney Plus.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have grown up watching The Simpsons and it has always been one of my favorite shows. I have always found the humor in the show to be hilarious, and I think that it is a great way to satirize current events and pop culture.

The news that Homer will no longer be choking Bart is a bit of a shock to me, as it is such an iconic part of the show. However, I think that it is a good decision, as it is important to keep the show fresh and relevant. I am excited to see how the show will evolve without this classic gag, and I am confident that the writers will come up with some new and innovative ways to make us laugh.